Enhancing access to Maltese heritage : analysing the effectiveness of local subject headings in the special collection Kollezzjoni Programmi tal-Festa

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation was to explore whether local Maltese subject headings improve the discoverability of materials from the Kollezzjoni Programmi tal-Festa (KPF), a special collection of Maltese festa publications. Digitised material from this special collection is found on the University of Malta’s Institutional Repository OAR@UM. The study highlights the broader role of controlled vocabularies in enhancing access to local cultural heritage and investigates how locally developed subject headings can reflect national identity, language, and memory.

A mixed-methods approach was adopted for this dissertation. Quantitative data was gathered by tracking article views and downloads over a six-month period. Results included the comparison of records using local subject headings versus general subject headings. Qualitative insights were drawn from interviews with researchers who make use of material from the KPF collection. The interviews have provided insights into their information-seeking behaviours and perceptions of metadata. The findings suggest that local subject headings offer a slight but consistent advantage over the general subject headings. Interview data further emphasised their role in supporting efficient research and contextual navigation, especially when supported by librarian guidance.

This study contributes to discussions on the use of metadata, cultural representation, and the practical implementation of a Maltese subject headings thesaurus. It recommends ongoing refinement of local authority lists, integration with user needs, and increased engagement with researchers to ensure subject access remains relevant and inclusive.